By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – A fiscal year 2016 state budget? That’s not happening, according to State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington).

That was part of the message Brady gave to local elected officials Friday afternoon at Illinois Wesleyan University during a discussion on the state budget.

Brady added at this point he would support any balanced budget. The problem is he doesn’t think Illinois’ finances can be balanced in a single year.

“Politically and systemically, I just don’t know that there’s any way to craft a one-year budget that would be balanced,” said Brady. “Which is why I’ve recommended we put our sights on a two-year balanced budget.”

Brady explained a two-year plan would likely include a temporary tax increase.

“We believe that any tax revenues that are provided in a temporary nature need to be supported by business reforms that will grow the economy enough, so that when they fall off we don’t have this cliff that we saw under the Pat Quinn tax increase,” he said.

Brady said under the current impasse, Illinois is spending $400 million more a year than it’s taking in. Most of that is the result of court mandated spending.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].